We at Morbid Anatomy are very, very delighted to announce that Sigrid will be bringing her amazing craftsmanship (see her wax self-portrait-in-progress photographed above) to Observatory to teach two special classes developed as part of the nascent Morbid Anatomy Art Academy. The first class, Life and Death Mask Making Workshop, will take place on Sunday, June 3rd, and the second class. Anatomical Wax Votive Making Workshop will take place Sunday June 24th. In both classes, students will leave with their own finished piece to take home, and the knowledge to make their own pieces in the future.

For many centuries and in many civilizations, artisans have created
what are called "Life Masks" or "Death Masks" cast from the faces of
the famous or the infamous to preserve their likeness--living or
dead--for posterity. In this class, students will learn to create their
very own Life Masks working with alginate--a non-toxic seaweed-based
mold making product that is easy on the skin--and plaster. Students
will pair up and cast one another, but don't be alarmed; the workshop's
instructor Ms. Sarda assures us that you will love this experience, and
that most everyone who has been cast comes out feeling relaxed to the
point of jello, with the extra insentive of a free facial. All
materials are included, and each student will leave class home with
their face immortalized in plaster.
The day's schedule:

Partnering up and casting

Adding plaster to the negative mold

An hour break for lunch (give or take depending on how fast the plaster dries)

Demolding and cleaning the cast

Touching up any imperfections in the plaster cast

Warning: If you are someone who is extremely claustrophobic, this is not for you. Dress casually and have fun!

Sigrid Sarda is self taught in the art of ceroplastics. She has been featured on such programs as The Midnight Archive and will be appearing on TV's Oddities this June. She will be showing her work in London this fall. You can find out more here, here and here.

The Votive: Expressing or symbolizing a wish, desire, or vow;
Offered, given, undertaken, performed or dedicated in fulfillment of or
in accordance with a vow.

Anatomical votives--or replicas of diseased body parts left at a
holy place either in hopes of curing ailments or in gratitude for
having been healed--have been widely utilized since ancient times.
Common media for votives have included terra cotta, marble, silver,
and, our personal favorite, wax. In this class, expert wax worker and
artist Sigrid Sarda will teach students to create an uncannily lifelike
wax votive of the body part of their choice. Each student will leave
class with a finished wax votive as well as a knowledge of mold making,
wax craft, and the history and meaning of the anatomical votive.
Students are encouraged to focus on an afflicted body part for which
they seek relief, or, if they are lacking any unfortunate ailments--be
it an ear ache, psoriasis, or that pesky cutaneous horn--to choose a
body part that is symbolic to them in anticipation of a particular wish
or prayer. Symbolic meanings include the hand which traditionally
equates to justice, strength, pledge of faith, power or sincerity, and
the foot equating to humility and respect. If that doesn’t suffice
we’ll make one up as we go along.
Using an ancient formula created by practitioners of wax modeling,
you will create an object for your prayer. The steps taken to reach the
desired goal are: first, casting your body part into alginate and
creating a negative mold; second, pouring wax into the mold; and
finally, demold and clean your votive.

The class will begin with a short talk on the history of votives
followed by casting the the body part of your choice. Next, we will
take a short break for lunch. following which we will de-mold and clean
your lovely wax votive. Please dress casually (it’s a bit messy and
very fun). All you need is to bring yourself. All materials are
provided, and you get to leave class with your very own votive.

Sigrid Sarda is self taught in the art of ceroplastics. She has been featured on such programs as The Midnight Archive and will be appearing on TV's Oddities this June. She will be showing her work in London this fall. You can find out more here, here and here.

You can find out more about Sigrid and her work here, here and here. You can find out about the classes and Observatory by clicking here. To sign up for the class, please RSVP to morbidanatomy [at] gmail.com. All photos by Sigrd Sarda of her own work.